Disubstituted naphthalenone compounds

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to substituted naphthalen compounds and their use in the synthesis of D-homosteroids. The latter compounds are useful as estrogenic agents in the treatment of laboratory and domestic animals.

United States Patent [191 Los [4 June 28, ,1974

[ DISUBSTITUTED NAPHTHALENONE COMPOUNDS [56] References Cited [751' Inventor: Marinus Los, Pennington, NJ. UNITED STATES PATENTS As igneez American Cyanamid Company Kaspar et al Stamford, Conn 3,321,488 5/1967 L05 260/340.9

[22] Filed: 1972 Primary ExaminerDonald G. Daus [2!] Appl. N0.: 278,508 Assistant Examiner-James H. Tumipseed I .Y. M'll Related US. Application Data v AtmmeyAgent or F Ernest [60] Division of Ser. Nos. 47,143, June 17, [970, Pat. No.

3,714,195, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 708,498, Feb. 27, 1968," Pat. No. 3,565,958. [57] ABSTRACT This invention relates to substituted naphthalen compounds and their use in the synthesis of v D- [52] US. Cl. 260/586 F, 260/240 R, 260/ homosteroids. The latter compounds are useful as es- 260545-98 260/346-2 260/488 trogenic agents in the treatment of laboratory and do- 260/563 260/576 mestic animals. [51] Int. Cl. C07c 49/54 [58] Field of Search 260/58'6 H 3 Claims, No Drawings DISUBSTITUTED NAPIITHALENONE COMPOUNDS plication Ser. No. 708,498, filed Feb. 27, 1968, now

US. Pat. No. 3,565,958;

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to intermediates useful in preparing steroid-like compounds The compounds of this invention are those of the formula:

CHa

wherein R is a member selected from the group consisting of ethylenedioxy and oxygen; X is a member selected from the group consisting of ogm-ry-on: and H t and Y is a member selected from the group consisting H l d H I OH! O C-CH: CH: O C: C H.

The conversion of the above compounds into physiologically active steroid-like compounds is described hereinafter in the synthesis diagram and examples.

PREFERRED EMBQPIMENTQF T"? ll Tl and tetrahydropyranyloxy ,R, is hydrogen or lower aklyl, such as methyl. ethyl. propyl, isopropyl or the like and R is oxygen or hydroxyl.

' Briefly, the enedione having the formula can be converted the (VI) compound wherein R is ethylenedioxy by treatment thereof with excess ethylene glycol and p-toluenesulfonicacid in an inert solvent such as benzene at an elevated temperature. Reaction of the thus formed monoketal with ethylformate and an alkali metal methoxide gives the hydroxymethylene ketone which, when treated with N- methylaniline yields the formula (l) compound wherein R is ethylenedioxy.

Treatment of the above-identified enedione with an alkali metal borohydride in the presence of a lower al kanol gives the naphthalenone corresponding to For-- mula (IV) wherein R ishydroxyl. The alcohol is then dissolved in methylene chloride and the solution treated with isobutylene in the presence of an acid catalyst to obtain the Formula (IV) compound wherein R is t-butoxy.'-The corresponding tetrahydropyranyloxy compound is made from the alcohol by dissolving the same in tetrahydrofuran and treating the formed solution with the dihydropyran containing phosphorus oxychloride. Preparation of Formula (I) compounds wherein R is t-butoxyor tetrahydlropyranyloxy is then achievedin the same manner as described above for the Formula (I) compound in which R is ethylenedioxy. This involves preparation of the formyl compound and treatment thereof with N-methylaniline.

The allyl compounds (II) are obtained by alkylation of the N-methylanilinomethylene Compound (I) with an allylhalide such as allyl bromide. Hydrolysis of (II) under strongly basic conditions then gives the desired unblocked ketone (III) which, when oz'onized, yields by selective cleavage of the allyl double bond the corresponding aldehyde (VI). The unblocked ketone (Ill) can also be obtained directly from. the enone (IV) by treatmentof (IV) with a strong base such as potassium t-butoxide or sodium hydride in an inert solvent such as t-butanol or dimethoxyethane followed by allyl bromide at an elevated temperature. Reaction of the thus formed product (III) in tetrahydrofuran with an alkali metal chlorate and osmium tetroxide gives the hemiketal (V) which is converted to the aldehyde (VI) by reaction with an alkali metal periodate and further treatment of the aldehyde (VI) with m-methoxyphenyl magnesium bromide gives the hemiketal (VII) (R =l-I) in good yield.

The hemiketal (VII) is also prepared from the start ing material (I) by the route involving reaction of the anion of (I) with m-methoxyphenacyl bromide, preferably at about 0 C. to obtain the anilino compound (VIII) which, on hydroxysis in strong base gives the unblocked ketone (X). The reaction is preferably run at an elevated temperature in a lower alkylene glycol. If

the reaction is terminated after a short period of reflux about I to 3 hours, a major portion of the product obtained will be the formyl compound (IX), however, if the reaction is run for approximately 6 hours, the unblocked ketone (X) is obtained in high yield. Reduction of this latter compound with hydrogen in acetic acid and a catalyst such as palladium gives the ketone (XI).-The reaction is preferably run at an elevated temperature between about 50 and 90 C. and at a super atmospheric pressure. Acid hydrolysis of the thus formed product (XI) yields the diketone or ketoalcohol (XV). The ketone (XI) may also be obtained from the hemiketal (VII) by reduction of the same with hydrogen and a palladium catalyst in acetic acid. In addition to the previous route described for the preparation of (VII), such product can be obtained by catalytic reductionof the didetone (X). When this product (VII) I R1=CHa 01 cans) When (VII) (R t-butoxy or tetrahydropyranyloxy R H, CH or C H is hydrolyzed by mineral acid, then (XVI) is the product. When the compound (XII) is then subject to treatment with hot acetic acid-acetic anhydride mixture the diketone (XIII) is formed. This product is also obtained when (VII) (R=ethylenedioxy and R is H or CH is treated with acetic acid and acetic anhydride giving the acetoxyketone which is hydrolyzed to the diketone (XIII) in aqueous acetic acid. Conversion of the diketone (XIII) to the trans-styrene (XIV) is accomplished by reaction thereof with a strong acid such as p-toluene sulfonic acid at an elevated temperature in an inert solvent. Hydrogenation of the trans-styrene (XIV) yields the enedione (XV) (R =0) identical with that formedby acid hydrolysis of 4 (XI) (R=ethylenedioxy). When the hemiketal (XVI) is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst (XV) (R =hydroxyl) is obtained.

The enedione XV (R =oxygen) is then reduced with sodium borohydride to the unsaturated keto alcohol- (XVII). Further reduction of (XVII) with hydrogen in the presence of a paladium catalyst yields the keto alcohol (XVIII) which is readily oxidized to trans-dione (XIX) by mild oxidation with Jones reagent. (.yclization of (XIX) by mineral acid at an elevated tempera ture gives the D-homo steroid (XX). Reaction ol'tXX) with acetylene in the presence of a strong base in an inert solvent then yields the estrogenically active ethynyl alcohol (XXXI). Catalytic reduction of ketone (XX) using hydrogen and a palladium catalyst yields the ketone (XXIX) which when treated with acetylene in the presence of a strong base gives the estrogenically active ethynyl alcohol (XXX).

This estrogenically active compound (XXX) can also be obtained from the diketone (XV) by a process involving treatment thereof with a strong mineral acid at an elevated temperature. The reaction is preferably carried out in a lower alkanol and gives the D-homo ketone (XXI) which is readily reduced to the corresponding alcohol (XXII) using an alkali metal borohydride. Treatment of the thus formed product with acetic anhydride then yields the diene (XXIII) which is catalytically reduced to the D-homo acetate (XXIV). Refluxing of the prepared product in a lower alcohol in the presence of strong base gives the unsaturated alcohol (XXV) which can be reduced catalytically with hydrogen in the presence of palladium to give the alcohol (XXVI). Mild oxidation of this product with Jones reagent yields the ketone (XXIX) which is then converted to the estrogenically active compound (XXX) by the method heretofore described. Reduction of the endione (XV) with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst gives the cis naphthalenedione (XXVII) which when treated with hydrogen fluoride yields the estrogenically active l4B-D-homoketone (XXVIII).

The following Synthesis Diagrams illustrate structurally the present compounds.

I 1 0 Ill 0. 1 1 l o a a Q E \1 N m 134, q i=1 U: m o--- O (I) CH: O

CH: O

P lCHs 1 wherein R; oxygen, hydroxyl or acetoxy,

CH 3 H the C hydrogen is either cis or trans to the C methyl group. These compounds have substantial estrogenic activity in domestic and laboratory animals such as rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, sheep, swine and the like.

In the treatment of the smaller animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and rats, generally about 0.225 to 10 mg. and preferably 0.50 to 10 mg./head/day of a compound of the above formula is effective in obtaining an estrogenic response in said animals.

I These estrogenically active compounds may be administered by injection as a liquid formula described in Example '42 hereinafter, or they may be administered as solids admixed with the feed or in the form of tablets, pills, capsules, powders or as liquids, emulsions, solutions or suspensions using a conventional pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier.

7 DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following examples describe in detail the preparation of representative compounds within the scope of the present invention and illustrated structurally on the synthesis diagram.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of 4,4a,5,6,7,S-Hexahydro-SB-hydroxy- 1,4aB-dimethyl-2( 3H )naphthalenone .(IV- R=hydroxyl) A solution containing 58.4 g. (0.304 mole) endione in 500 ml. absolute ethanol is cooled to 0 with stirring. Then 1.3 sodium borohydride is added to the solution and at 15 minute intervals, two more portions of 1.3 g. sodium borohydride is added. 15 minutes after the final addition, the solution is acidified with acetic acid and then the solvents evaporated. The residue is dissolved in chloroform, the organic phase washed with water, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and evaporated. The residue is distilled and recrystallized from ether-hexane and has melting point 79-80 C. Calcd. for C H O C, 74.19; H, 9.34 Found: C, 74.17; H, 9.24.

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of B-tert-Butoxy-4,4a,5,6,7,8-hexahydro- 1.4aB-dimethyl -2( 3H)naphthalenone IV- R=tertiarybutoxy-) To a solution containing 4.0 g. (0.0206 mole) of the alcohol of Example 1 in 20 ml. dry methylene chloride at 20 C. in a pressure bottle is added approximately 20 ml. liquid isobutylene. Then 0.5 ml. catalyst (100 percent phosphoric acid saturated with boron trifiuoride)is added, the pressure bottle closed and the mixture shaken at room temperature overnight. The bottle is cooled to 20 C. opened and a stream of dry nitrogen passed through the solution to remove excess isobutylene. The residue is disluted with methylene chloride and washed thoroughly with a saturated sodium-bicarbonate solution. The aqueous phase is re-extracted with methylene chloride and the combined organic phase dried and evaporated. Theproducts from a total of four'such experimentswere combined to give 24.1 g. oil. This is dissolved in hexane and passed through a short column of neutral alumina. After evaporation of the solvent, the residue weighs 20.85 g. The t-butyl ether has boiling 1.5073.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of 4,4a,5,6,7,8-Hexahydro- 1 ,4a/3- dimethyl-S B-[(tetrahydropyran-2-y1 )-0xy]-2( 3H naphthalenone (1V-R=tetrahydropyranyloxy) EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of 3,4,8,8'a-Tetrahydro-5,8'adimethyl-spiro-[ l ,3-dioxolane-2,1 2H )-naphthalen 6'(7H)-one (1V-R=ethylenedioxy) To a mixtureof 6g. (3.13 mmoles) enedione, (IV, R=, =0), 10ml. ethylene glycol in 180 ml. benzene is added 100 mg. p-toluenesulfonic acid. The solution is heated at reflux under a water separator for 2% hours. The cold solution is diluted with ether and washed with sodium bicarbonate solution, water and saturated brine. The residue is filtered through a plug of alumina in benzene and the solvent evaporated. Crystallization of the residue from hexane at 0 gives 4.6 g. ketal (62.5 percent), melting point 53--55C.

EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of 3 ',4',8",8 'a-Tetrahydro-7 (hydroxymethylene)-5 ,8'a dimethyl-spiro[ 1 ,3- dioxolane-2,l '(2'H-naphthalen ]-6'-(7 'H )-one In a 5 liter 3-necked flask equipped with stirrer, dropping funnel and nitrogen inlet, there is placed 100 g. (1.85 moles) sodium methoxide, 1,700 ml. benzene and through the dropping funnel, 265 ml. ethyl formate. After cooling in an ice-water bath, 127.4 g. (0.539mole) ketal (prepared in Example 4) in 640 ml. benzene is added at 0 and stirred overnight at room point l122 C. at 0.3 mm., N

temperature. The mixture is cooled to 0 and 500 ml. of 2.5M sodium dihydrogen phosphate solution added. A further 500 ml. phosphate solution, 500 ml. water and 500 ml. benzene is added and the aqueous phase separated. The organic phase is washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue weighs 143 g. and has the above structure.

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of 5B-tert-Butoxy-4,4a,5,6,7,8-hexahydro- 3-(hydroxymethoxymethylene )-1 ,4aB-dimethyl- 2(3H)-naphthalenone In a flask equipped with stirrer, thermometer and dropping funnel with nitrogen inlet is placed 111 g. (2.06 mole) of sodium methoxide and 1,900 ml. dry benzene.- A nitrogen atmosphere is maintained throughout the reaction. Through the dropping funnel is then added 300 ml. ethyl formate in a stream. The mixture is cooled to 12C. and 150.5 g. (0.6 mole) of crude t-butyl ether (prepared in Example 2) in 700 ml. dry benzene is added dropwise and the mixture stirred overnight. The organic phase is then extracted with water and 2N sodium hydroxide. The aqueous phases are acidified with 2.5M sodium dihydrogen phosphate and extracted with ether. The ether extract is washed with water, dried and evaporated to give 164.2 g. of oil. The formyl compound is crystallized from n-propanol and has melting point 76-77 C. 'Calcd. for C H O C, 73.34; H, 9.41 Found: C, 73.26; H, 9.42.

EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of 5B-tert-Butoxy-4,4a,5.6.7,8-hexahydro- 1,4aB-dimethyl-3-( N-methylanilinomet hylene)-2( 3H)- naphthalenone (l-R=t-butoxy) To a solution containing 2.78 g. (10 mmoles of the formyl compound (prepared in Example 6) in 10 ml. methanol is added 1.17 g. (11 mmoles) N- methylaniline. The mixture is warmed slightly and then allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The solvent and excess aniline are removed under reduced pressure to leave 3.5 g. of orange-yellow oil. This material is crystallized from nitromethane and has melting point 77.579 C.

EXAMPLE 8 EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of 5a-allyl-3,7",8',8'a-Tetrahydro- 513,8'aB-dimethyl-7'-(N-methylanilinomethylene)- spiro[1,3-dioxolane-2,1'(2'H)naphthalen]- 6(5H)-one (ll R=ethylenedioxy) To a stirred solution of 3.53 g. (0.01 mole) of material (prepared in Example 8) in ml. dry t-butanol under nitrogen is added 5.6 g. potassium t-butoxide. The solution is heated under reflux for 30 minutes. The

mixture-is cooled to room temperature and 6.05 g. (0.05 mole) redistilled allyl bromide added dropwise. The solution is then heated under reflux for 1 hour. After cooling, the solution is poured into water, acidified with 2.5M sodium dihydrogen phosphate and extracted with ether. The extract is washed with water,

dried and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to give the crude product (4.35 g.). Crystallization from absolute ethanol gives 2.24 g. (57 percent) of desired product, melting point 147.5-149.5 C. Calcd. for C H O N: C, 76.30; H, 7.94; N, 3.56 Found: C, 7- 5.98; H, 7.81, N, 3.83.

EXAMPLE 10 4 hours The mixture iscooled, diluted with water and extracted with ether. The organic phase is washed suc- .cessively with water, dilute hydrochloric acid, water and brine, dried and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from hexane to give the product melting point 67- .568.5 C. Calcd. for C H O C, 73.88; H, 8.75 FoundqC, 73.73; H, 8.64.-

EXAMPLE 1 1 Preparation of 5a-allyl-3,7',8,8a-Tetrahydro- 5 ,B,8aB-dimethyl-spiro[ l,3-dioxolane-2,l (2'H)- naphthalen]-6(5H)-one (Ill R=ethylenedioxy) To a solution containing 47.0 g. enone (prepared in Example 4) in 500 ml. dry t-butanol is added under nitrogen with stirring 56 g. potassium t-butoxide. The mixture is heated under reflux for 2 hours. The solution is cooled to room temperature and 29 g. allyl bromide is added dropwise. After stirring a further 1/2 hour at room temperature, the mixture is poured into water and extracted twice with ether. The ether extract is washed twice with water, dried and evaporated. The resi-. due is crystallized from hexane to give 30.9 g. allyl compound identical with that formed in Example 10.

When the starting material contains the t-butoxy or tetrahydropyranyloxy group instead of ethylenedioxy the corresponding t-buto'xy and tetrahydropyranyloxy products are obtained.

EXAMPLE 12 crop of crystals weighed 4.4 g.

Similar reaction with ether the tetrahydropyranyl ether or t-butyl ether yield the corresponding hemiketal as oils.

EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of 5'oz-Formylmethyl-3',7',8,8'atetrahydro-S B,8aB-dimethyl-spiro[ 1,3-dioxolane- 2,1'(2'H)-naphthalen]-6(5'H)-one (Vl R=ethylcnedioxy) To a solution containing 49.9 g. of the hemikctal (prepared in Example 12), in 480 ml. tetrahydroturan is added with stirring and cooling 74.1 g. sodium metaperiodate in .480 ml. water. Stirring is continued overnight at room temperature. The mixture is then shaken with a solution containing 230 g. sodium sulfite and extracted with methylene chloride. The extract is washed with saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from ether-hexane to give 38.2 g. of the above aldehyde, melting point 6l62.5 C. identical with the aldehyde prepared by ozonolysis of (111).

EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of 5'a-Formylmethyl-3,7,8',8atetrahydro-S B,8a,B-dimethylspiro[ 1,3,dioxolane- 2,1(2'H)-naphthalen]-6'(5'H)-one (V1 R=ethylenedioxy) In a gas wash bottle with fritted disc on the end of the inlet tube is placed 2.76 g. (0.01 mole) of allyl compound (prepared in Example 11) and 5.2 ml. pyridine and 36 ml. chloroform added. The solution is cooled to 20 C. and l.3equivalents of ozone passed into the solution. Excess ozone is then removed in a stream of the extract washed with saturated brine. The organic phase is dried and concentrated. The residue is crystallized from ether to' give 49.9 g. hemiketal, melting point l22-l36 C. as a mixture of stero isomers. A second nitrogen. Then a mixture of5.48 ml. water, 5.45 ml. acetic acid and 10.76 ml. pyridine is added to the solution. While keeping the temperature of the solution below 0, 3.28 g. zinc powder (which had been washed first with 2N acetic acid followed by water) is added in small portions with shaking and cooling during about 20 minutes. The mixture is filtered into a separatory funnel and diluted with benzene and water. The aqueous phase is reextracted with benzene. The combined organic phases are washed successively with water, saturated sodium bicarbonate, with 1.5 N phosphoric acid, saturated sodium bicarbonate and water. The benzene solution is dried and evaporated to leave the above aldehyde (2.0 g.),

EXAMPLE 15 All operations are carried out under dry nitrogen. To 1 g. of magnesium is added enough dry tetrahydrofuran to cover the metal. A few drops of dibromoethane is added to initiate the reaction. Then 5.61 g. (0.03 mole) m-bromoanisole is added at such a rate as to maintain a reaction mixture temperature of about 50. The mixture was then stirred at 50 for a further 0.5 hour. The Grignard reagent is transferred to a dropping funnel using dry tetrahydrofuran to complete the transfer. Half of this solution is then added dropwise to the crude aldehyde (prepared in Example 14) in 40 ml. dry tetrahydrofuran. After the addition, the reaction mix-' ture is stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The excess reagent is destroyed by the addition of 40 ml. of a 2.5 M sodium dihydrogen phosphate and after stirring Preparation of 3 ,7 ,8 ,8 'a-Tetrahydro-S '0z-( mmethoxyphenacyl)-5,B,8'aB-dimethyl-T-(N- methylanilinomethylene)-spiro[ 1 ,3-dioxolane- 2,1 '(2I-I)-naphthalen]-6(5'H)-one (VIII R=ethylenedioxy) In a flask equipped with stirrer, condensor (with dry nitrogen inlet) and dropping funnel are placed 52.95 g. (0.15 mole) of 3,4,8,8a-Tetrahydro-5,8adimethyl-7-(N-methylanilinomethylene)-spiro[ 1,3- dioxolan'e-2,1 (2'H)-naphthalen]-6(7H)- one(prepared in Example 8) in600 ml. dry dimethoxyethane and 16.65 g. sodium hydride ('54 percent suspension in mineral oil). The mixture is heated with stirring under reflux in a nitrogen atmosphere for two hours. This mixture is cooled and a solution of 51.45 g. (0.225 mole) of m-methoxyphenacyl bromide in about 500 ml. dryidimethoxyethane is added very slowly at room temperature. After the addition, the solution is stirred overnight at room temperature. Water is added to the solution and the reaction mixture poured into water, acidified with 2.5 M sodium dihydrogen phosphate and extracted with methylene chloride. The extract is washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from acetone to give 45.3 g. (60 percent) of desired product, melting point l69.5-I70.5 C. Calcd. for C H O N: C, 74.23; H, 7.03; N, 2.79 Found: C, 74.39; H, 7.20; N, 2.36.

A similar experiment is run using the samequantities as above. The only modification made is that the phen- -acyl bromide is added to the reaction mixture at icebath temperature during 4.2 hours. The yield of product is 63.9 g. or 84.7 percent.

EXAMPLES 17 and 18 Preparation of 3 ,7 ,8 ,8 'a-Tetrahydro-S a-( m methoxyphenacyl)-5B,8'a,B-dimethyl-spiro[ 1 ,3- dioxolane-2,l '(2I-I)naphthalen]-6'-(5 H)-one (X R ethylenedioxy) and 3,7,8',8'a-Tetrahydro-7- (hydroxymethylene)-5{a-(m-methoxyphenacyl)- 5,B,8aB-dimethyl, spiro[ 1,3-dioxolane- 2,1(2H)naphthalen]-6(5'I-I)-one (IX R=ethylenedioxy) To a solution of 91.8 g. (0.183 mole) of the anilino compound (prepared in Example 16) in 610 ml. 2 ethoxy-ethanol is added 610 ml. water containing 258 gjpotassium hydroxide. The mixture is heated at reflux under nitrogen for 6 hours and then cooled overnight. 2 liters of water are added and the soluton extracted with ether. The ether extract is successively washed with water, cold 2 N hydrochloric acid and waterQThe extract is dried and the solvent evaporated. The residue (X, R=ethyleneidoxy) on trituration with ether and recyrstallization from acetone-hexane has melting point l2I-l22 C. Calcd. for C H O C, 71.85; H, 7.34 Found: C, 71.59; H, 7.34.

The aqueous phase from the first ether extraction above is acidified with ice-cold 2N hydrochloric acid and extracted with methylene chloride. The extract is washed with water and brine, dried and evaporated.

The residue on trituration with ether at 5C. and recrystallization from methanol gave the formyl compound, melting point l57-160.5 C. (IX, R -ethylenedioxy). Calcd. for C I-1 C, 69.88; H, 6.84 Found: C, 69.57; H, 6.89.

EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of 3',7 ',8,8 u Ietrahydro-S 'a-( m methoxyphenethyl)-B,8'uB-dimcthyl-spirol 1,3- dioxoIane-2,l'(2H)-naphthalen]-6' (5H)-one (XI, R=ethylenedioxy) A. A solution containing 10.0 g. (0.026 mole) of the diketone (X, R ethylenedioxy) (Example 17) in 150 ml. glacial acetic acid is reduced with hydrogen at 70 C. in the presence of 1 g. 5 percent palladium on carbon. The initial pressure is 51.8 p.s.i. Reduction is complete in 3 hours. The solution is cooled, the catalyst removed by filtration and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The residue (i.e., crude product [XL R ethylenedioxy1) is used directly for the preparation of the naphthalenedione (XV, gz eghylenedtoxy).

B. A solution containing 4.5 g. of hemiketal (prepared in Example 15) in 50 ml. glacial acetic acid is reduced with hydrogen at 70 and 50 p.s.i. in the presence of 200 mg. 5 percent palladium on carbon. Reduction is complete in 3 hours. The catalyst is removed and the solvent evaporated to leavecrude .ketone (X1, R ethylenedioxy) of sufficient purity for further transformations.

C. Similarly, reduction of the corresponding t-butoxy or tetrahydropyranyloxy ethers (VII) yields the corre sponding ketones (XI, R=t-butoxy and tetrahydropyranyloxy).

EXAMPLE 20 tial pressure of 50 p.s.i. in the presence of 1.0 g. 5 percent palladium on carbon. The reduction is complete in 2 hours. The mixture is cooled, and filtered and the solvent'removed under reduced pressure. The residue is a mixture of hemiketal (VII, R H) and the mixed ketal (VII, R CH The crude reduction product is dissolved in a mixture of 108 ml. acetic acid and 36 ml. water and the solution heated on the steam bath for 1 hour. The reaction mixture is poured into water and extracted with ether. The extract is washed with water and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The ether is dried, the solvent evaporated and the residue crystallized from acetonehexane to give product (XII), melting point l35 5-l 3- Calcd. for C H O C, 73.66, H, 7.66. Found: C, 73.60; H, 7.59.

By concentration of the mother liquors the second crystalline isomer, is obtained. Recrystallization of this material from acetone-hexane gives product, melting point 132.5l33.5 C.

EXAMPLE 21 Preparation of 3,7,8,Sa-Tetrahydro-Sa-(B-hydroxy-mmethoxyphenethyl)-5,8,8a,B-dimethyl-, l ,6( 2H,5 H)- naphthalenedione, acetate (XIII) A solution containing 5.0 g. (0.0146 mole) of the hemiketal (XII) (prepared in Example 20) in 80 ml. acetic acid and 40 ml. acetic anhydride is heated under reflux for 1 hour. The solvents are then removed under reduced pressure, the residue dissolved in toluene and this also removed under reduced pressure. The residue compound (XIII) is used without further purification.

EXAMPLE 22 Preparation of 3,7,8,8a-Tetrahydro-5a-( mmethoxystyryl)-5,B,8aB-dimethyl-1 ,6( 2H,5I-I naphthalenedione (XIV) A solution containing 2.0 g. p-toluenesulfonic acid in 170 ml. benzene is heated under reflux under a Dean- Stark water separator filled with anhydrous calcium sulfate for minutes. The crude acetate prepared in Example 21 in 40 ml. benzene is then added and refluxing continued for 1 hour. The solution is cooled, diluted with ether and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate. The organic phase is dried and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from methanol to give 1.8 g. product (XIV). Recrystallization of this material from methanol gives 1.5 g., melting point 91-92 C. Calcd.

for C H O C, 77.75; H, 7.46. Found: C, 77.57; H, 7.51.

EXAMPLE 23 Preparation of methoxyphenyl )-5,B,8aB-dimethyll ,6( 2H,5 H naphthalenedione (XV, R 0) The crude product (XI) prepared in Example 19 above is heated on the steam-bath with 20 ml. water and enough acetic acid to give a homogeneous solution for 1 hour. After standing at room temperature overnight, the solution is diluted with water and extracted with ether. The ether extract is washed with water and then saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The extract is dried and the solvent removed. The residue crystallized from methanol to give 5.0 g. product (XV, R 0), melting point 68- 70 C.

EXAMPLE 24 Calcd. for C H O C, 77.27; H, 8.03 Found: C, 77.39;.

3,7,8,8a-Tetrahydro-5a-( m- Preparation EXAMPLE 25 Preparation of l,2,3a,4,5,5a,6,7,8,9b-Decahydro-2- (m-methoxyphenyl )-5a,8,9bB-dimethyl, naphtholl 2, lb]furan-3a A,6,B-diol (XIV) To a solution containing 5.0 g. (0.015 mole) ketone (XII) (prepared in Example 20) in 100 ml. absolute ethanol is added 2.0 g. sodium borohydride. The reaction is allowed to proceed at room temperature with intermittent swirling for 15 minutes. The mixture is then poured into water and extracted with ether. The ether extract is washed with water, saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from acetonehexane to give product compound (XVI), melting point l4l-l48 C. Calcd. for C H O C, 73.22; H, 8.19. Found: C, 73.05; H, 8.13.

EXAMPLE 26 Preparation of 3,4,4a,5,6,7-Hexahydro-5B-hydroxy- 1a-(m-methoxyphenyh-1B,4aB-dimethyl-2( 1H)- naphthalenone (XVII) A solution containing 688 mgs. of the hemiketal (prepared in Example 25) in 18 ml. glacial acetic acid is reduced with hydrogen at 45 p.s.i. and in the presence of 100 mgs. 5 percent palladium on carbon. The reduction is complete in 2 hours when the mixture is cooled, the catalyst removed and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The material (XV, R OH or XVII) is of sufficient purity for conversion by oxidation to compound (XV, R 0) or reduction to compound (XVIII).

EXAMPLE 27 3,4,4a,5,6,7-Hexahydro-5B-hydroxyla- (m-methoxyphenethyl l B,4aB-dimethyI-2( 1H)- naphthalenone (XVII) A. To a solution containing 1.63 g. of the enedione (prepared in Example 23) in 25 ml. percent ethanol is added with stirring 0.5 g. sodium borohydride. Stirring is continued for 15 minutes and the mixture then diluted with a large volume of water. The solution is extracted with ether, the extract washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue compound (XVII), an oil, is used without further purification.

B. A solution containing 688 mgs. of the hemiketal (prepared in Example 25) in 18 ml. acetic acid is hydrogenated at 70 C. and 50 p.s.i. After 3 hours the catalyst is removed and the solvent evaporated to give a residue identical to that described above compound (XVII).

EXAMPLE 28 EXAMPLE 29 Preparation of 3,4,4aoz,7,8,8a-Hexahydro-5a-(mmethoxyphenethyl )-5,8,8aB-dimethyl l ,6( 2H,5H)- naphthalenedione (XIX) The crude keto alcohol (XVIII) prepared in Example 28 is dissolved in 20 ml. acetone and cooled to Jones reagent is then added dropwise with stirring until a permanent brown color is obtained. The solution is stirred for minutes at room temperature and then pouredinto water and extracted with ether. The extract is washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from ether-hexane to give 640 mg. trans-dione, (XIX) melting point 8688.5 C.

EXAMPLE 30 Preparation of 3-Methoxy-SB-methyl-D-homoestral,3,5(lO),9(l1)-tetraen-l7a-one (XX) To 328 mgs. of the trans-dione (XIX) (prepared in Example 29) in 6 ml. ethanol is added 3 ml. concentrated hydrochloric acid and the solution refluxed for minutes. The mixture is diluted with water and extracted with water, dried and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from acetonitrite to give the product (XX), melting point 150.5-152.5 C.

EXAMPLE 3 1 Preparation of 3-Methoxy-8B-methyl,D-homoestral,3,5( lO),9( l l )-l4-pentaenl 7a-one (XXI) A. To 1 g. of the diketone (XV, R 0) (prepared in Example 23) in l 8 ml. ethanol is added 6 ml. concentrated hydrochloric acid and the mixture heated under reflux for 20 minutes. The solution is cooled, poured into water and extracted with ether. The ether is washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue,

used directly for the preparation of compound (XXII).

EXAMPLE 32 Preparation of 3-Methoxy-SB-methyLD-homoestral,3,5( lO),9( l l l4-pentaen-l7aB-ol (XXII) A. The crude product (XXI) (prepared in Example 31) above using concentrated hydrochloricacid to effeet the cyclization is dissolved in 10 ml. ethanol and 500 mgs. sodium borohydride added. The solution is allowed to stand at room temperature with intermittent swirling for 7 hours. The mixture is diluted with water, acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid and extracted with ether. The ether extract is washed twice with water followed by saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and the solvent evaporated. The residue compound (XXII) is used directly for the preparation oF the acetate compound (XXIII). The product (XXII) has, melting point 96-97 C. Calcd. for C H O C 81.27; H, 8.44. Found; C, 81.30 H, 8.54.

EXAMPLE 33 Preparation of 3-Methoxy-8B-methyl-,D-homoestral,3,5(l0),9(l l l4-pentaen-l7aB-ol acetate (XXIII) A. The crude product (XXII) (prepared in Example 32) above is allowed to stand overnight with 10 ml.

acetic anhydride and 2 ml. pyridine. The solvents are then removed under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in ether. The ether extract is washed with dilute hydrochloric acid, water and saturated sodium bicarbonate, dried and the solvent evaporated. The residue is filtered through alumina in benzene. The benzene is evaporated and the residue crystallized from pentaene then hexane to give the acetate, compound (XXIII), melting point l33 .5l34 C. Calcd. for C H O C, 78.37; H, 8.01. Found: C, 78.59; H, 8.12.

EXAMPLE 34 Preparation of 3-Methoxy-8B-methyl- D-homo-9- estra-l,3,5,( l0),l4 tetraen-l7aB-ol, acetate (XXIV) A solution containing 352 mgs. (l mmole) of diene (XXIII) (prepared in Example 33) in 20 ml. glacial acetic acid is catalytically reduced at room temperature and atmospheric pressure in the presence of I00 mgs. 5 percent palladium on carbon. The catalyst is removed by filtration and the solvent evaporated. The residue in benzene is filtered through a plug of activated magnesium silicate and the solvent then removed under reduce pressure. The residue is crystallized from acetone-hexane to give product (XXIV), melting point 149-l55 CqCalcd. for C H O;,: C, 77.93; H, 8.53. Found: C, 77.69; H, 8.53.

EXAMPLE 35 Preparation of 3-Methoxy-8a-methyl-D homo-9 5 slfit filx 4- te! r B-WXX To 6.0 g. of the acetate (XXIV) (prepared in Exam ple 34) dissolved inl ml. ethanol is added 50 ml. 2N

EXAMPLE 36 7 Preparation of 31 -Methoxy-8,B-methyl-D-homo-9 5 -estral ,3,5( lO)-trienl 7AB-ol (XXVI) A solution containing 312 mg. of the unsaturated alcohol (XXV) (prepared in Example 35) in 18 ml. ethanol is reduced with hydrogen at C. and 50 psi. in the presence of I00 mg..5 percent palladium on carbon. After 20 hours, the catalyst is removed and the solvent evaporated. The residue is dissolved in benzene and filtered through a plug of activated magnesium silicate. The solvent is removed and the residue crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 225 mg. product (XXVI), melting point l28-l 3l C. The material is recrystallized from acetonitrileto yield a solvate, melting point l3.0l32 C.

EXAMPLE 37 Preparation of methoxyphenyethyl)-5B,8a/3-dimethyl-l ,6( 2H,5H naphthalenedione (XXVII) A solution containing 652 mgs. of the enedione (XV,

' R 0) (prepared in Example 24) in 18 ml. absolute ethanol is reduced with hydrogen at C. and 50 psi. in the presence of mg. 5 percent palladium on carbon. After shaking for 22 hours, the mixture is cooled and the catalyst removed by filtration. Fractional crystallization gives the cis isomer, cubes, melting point 74- 3,4,4a,B,7,8,8a-Hexahydro-5a(m- '23 75 C. compound (XXVII) as the major product. The trans isomer, needles, melting point 87 88 C. is also indicated in small quantity.

EXAMPLE 38 Preparation of 3-Methoxy-8,B-methyl-D-homo-14B- estral ,3,4( 10), 9( 1 1)-tetraen-17a-one (XXVIII) To 5 ml. anhydrous hydrogen fluoride in a polyethylene tube cooled to with stirring is added 200 mgs. of the ci's-dione compound (XXVII) (prepared in Example 37). After stirring for minutes, the solution is diluted with methylene chloride and poured into icewater. The organic phase is washed with aqueous bicarbonate solution, dried and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 123 mgs. compound (XXVIII). Recrystallization from acetonitrile gives sample melting point l39140 C.

Alternatively the cyclization can be carried out with strong acid. To a solution containing 200 mg. dione (XXVII) (prepared in Example 37) in 3 ml. ethanol is added 1 ml. concentrated hydrochloric acid and the solution refluxed for minutes. The cold solution is diluted with water and extractedv with ether, the extract washed twice with water, dried and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 175 mg. product (XXVIII) identical with that described in the paragraph above.

EXAMPLE 39 Preparation of 3-Methoxy'8B-methyl D-homo-9 6 -estral ,3 ,5( l0)-trienl 7a-one (XXIX) A. To a stirred solution containing 314 mg. of the alcohol compound (XXVI) (prepared in Example 36) in ml. acetone at 0 is added dropwise Jones reagent until a permanent brown-colored solution is obtained. The solution is stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes and then poured into water and extracted with ether. The extract is washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from acetonehexane to give 265 mgs. ketone (XXIX), melting point 148l 50 C.

B. A solution containing 310 mg. 3-methoxy-8/3-' methyl-D-homoestral ,3,5( 10),9( l 1)-tetraen-17a-one Compound (XX) (prepared in Example in 15 ml. acetic acid is reduced with hydrogen at room temperature and atmospheric pressure in the presence of 100 mg. 5 percent palladium on carbon. After 1 hour, thecatalyst is removed and the solvent evaporated. The residue is crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 248 mg. product, melting point 149 1 C., identical with that described in paragraph A.

EXAMPLE 40 Preparation of l7aaEthynyl-3-methoxy-8l3-methyLD- homo-9 -estra-l,3,5( l0)-trien-l7aB-ol (XXX) A stirred suspension of sodium hydride (800 mg., 54 percent) in 90 ml. dry dimethyl formamide is cooled to -lOC. and dry acetylene bubbled through the solution for 1 hour. A solution containing 1.248 g. of the ketone compound (XXIX) (prepared in Example 39) in 40 ml. dry dimethyl formamide is added dropwise and the admission of acetylene continued for 4 hours. Water is then cautiously added and the solution then diluted with water, acidified with 6N sulfuric acid and extracted with ether. The extract is washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from acetonitrile. One recrystallization from acetonitrile EXAMPLE 41 Preparation of l7aoz-Ethynyl-3-methoxy-8,8-methyl-D- homoestra-1,3,5( lO),9( l 1 )-tetraenl 7a,8-ol (XXXI) Dry acetylene is bubbled into a stirred suspension of sodium hydride (200 mg., 54 percent) in 30 ml. dry di methyl formamide at 10 C. for 1 hour. Then 310 mgs. ketone compound (XX) (prepared in Example 30) in 15 ml. dry dimethyl formamide is added dropwise. Stirring and addition of acetylene at lO C. is continued for 3 hours. Water is carefully added and when diluted acidified with 6 N sulfuric acid and extracted with ether. The ether is washed twice with water, dried and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from acetone-hexane. The product compound (XXXI) crystallizes as an acetone solvate, meltingpoint l56.5-l58 C.

EXAMPLE .42

Test for estrogenic activity Immature female Wistar origin rats are 19 to 21 days of age-and are employed as the test animal to determine estrogenic activity of candidate compounds. Test compounds are given by subcutaneous injections once daily. .for three successive days in 0.2 ml. of injection vehicle.

This injection vehicle is:

0.5 gm. carboxymethylcellulose (low viscosity) 0.4 gm. Tween 0.9 gm. sodium chloride [0.0 ml. polyethylene glycolKCarhowux 300) 90.0 ml. distilled water 24 hours after the third injection the rats are sacrificed,

the uteri removed and disected free from the ovaries, oviducts and mesentery. Each uterine horn is split longitudinally and the uterine fluid bottled dry. The uteri are weighed to the nearest milligram on a balance. 10 rats are used for each treatment- Increased uterine weight over the control (untreated) uteri indicates estrogenic activity. All animals receive a commercial laboratory animal ration ad libitum and fresh water is available at all times while on test. The following table summarizes the estrogenic activity of the present compounds.

TABLE Compound Effective dose 0.5 mg. ostrogen/mt/dny.

CH: O

Compound Effective doxe /cm l m i CH: O

wherein Y is a member selected from the group consisb ing of v H I cmo carom and crno =en.

D0! 2. The compound in accordance with claim 1, 3,7,8,- 8a-tetrahydro-5a-(m-methoxystyryl)-5B,8aB-dimethyl- 1,6(2H,5H) -naphthalenedione.

2 3. The compound in accordance with claim 1, 3,7,8,- 8aBa-tetrahydro-5a-(m-methoxyphenethyl)-5B,8a/3- dimethyl, 1,6(2H,5H)-naphthalenedione. 

2. The compound in accordance with claim 1, 3,7,8,8a-tetrahydro-5 Alpha -(m-methoxystyryl)-5 Beta ,8a Beta -dimethyl-1,6(2H,5H) -naphthalenedione.
 3. The compound in accordance with claim 1, 3,7,8,8a Beta a-tetrahydro-5 Alpha -(m-methoxyphenethyl)-5 Beta ,8a Beta -dimethyl, 1,6(2H,5H)-naphthalenedione. 